Global Talent Chamber Network

Members of the network have access to the following support:

• Tailored economic reports highlighting the contributions of immigrants to a metro area, congressional district, or state;
• Communications and messaging guidance to frame immigration as an economic issue and an opportunity for growth;
• Policy analysis of federal, state and local immigration legislation and its projected impact on chambers through webinars and individual engagement;
• Plug-and-play advocacy opportunities and campaigns coordinated by the Council’s policy teams in the field (e.g., national fly-ins and days of action, etc)
• Best practices in local immigrant integration and economic development strategies; and
• Online resources and toolkits that highlight the work of chambers of commerce in communities across the country.

Chamber Network Updates

Business Investment in Immigration Continues: Reflections from the 2025 Global Talent Chamber Network Convening

In September 2025, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became a national stage for critical conversations about the future of American business, workforce development, and the key role of immigration. In partnership with the Grand Rapids Chamber and Global Detroit, the American Immigration Council (the Council) hosted its ninth-annual Global Talent Chamber Network Convening, bringing together leaders from 15 chambers of commerce across 11 states, all focused on one goal: cultivating a strong workforce in the face of anti-immigrant rhetoric coupled with significant policy shifts. 

The Council’s Global Talent Chamber Network brings together chambers of commerce from across the country who see immigrant integration as an economic growth strategy. The annual convening is an opportunity for chambers and partners alike to come together to discuss the federal immigration state of play and explore best practices for chambers to continue investing in their community, tapping into immigration as a key talent strategy. 

The 2025 convening opened with a site visit to BAMF Health, where attendees saw firsthand how international talent drives groundbreaking research in cancer and Alzheimer’s treatment. Day two kicked off with updates from the Council team on the federal immigration landscape and how recent policy changes are impacting the business community. Leaders from Michigan shared their perspectives on how the state and federal dynamics are shaping talent pipelines, and how Michigan is leading with solutions. The day concluded with a discussion of strategic approaches chambers are using to advance their interests and maximize their influence through public and private advocacy efforts. Leading up to the convening, the Grand Rapids Chamber and Global Detroit had an op-ed published in Bridge Michigan where they discussed the urgent workforce shortages, delayed growth, and shifting trade and immigration policies that are impacting Michigan and inject uncertainty into long-term planningThe, which has helped attract over 54,000 college-educated international workers to meet critical talent needs and how West Michigan employers and universities are developing new pathways for international students who study at Michigan’s colleges and universities to find work with Michigan companies.op-ed showcased what’s possible when business, government, and education sectors collaborate, and how immigration is an economic imperative, not just a talking point. The op-ed highlighted programs like the Michigan Global Talent Initiative, which has helped attract over 54,000 college-educated international workers to meet critical talent needs and how West Michigan employers and universities are developing new pathways for international students who study at Michigan’s colleges and universities to find work with Michigan companies. 

What the op-ed and the convening made clear was: immigration is about strong, safe and secure communities, economic vibrancy, and opportunities for all residents alike. And chambers are ready to continue investing in policies that create opportunities and strengthen local economies, but they need leaders in Washington to enact consistent, reliable immigration policies that allow long-term planning and growth. 

COVID-19 resources for chambers of commerce and small businesses

On a local level, chambers of commerce are already leading the way as a resource for their members. From promoting local small businesses to analyzing the federal stimulus package, answering FAQs, connecting members and sharing best practices, chambers of commerce having proved to be the first line of defense for our local small businesses. If you’re interested in learning more about strategies and what other chambers of commerce are doing during these uncertain times, feel free to reach out to the Council team.

Additionally, many states are stepping up to provide small businesses with the resources they need to get through these challenging times.

More Than 50 Chambers of Commerce Call on Congress to Protect Dreamers

Ahead of SCOTUS arguments on November 12th, 2019, the Council – then NAE – organized more than 50 chambers of commerce to call on Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to create permanent protections for Dreamers. In an open letter, the business leaders recognize the important role Dreamers play in keeping our workforce young and competitive, contributing to the tax base, and creating jobs for all Americans. Read the entire letter here.

LA Chamber Hosts Annual Global Talent Chamber Convening

In April, NAE and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) hosted leaders from 16 chambers of commerce in Los Angeles, CA for our 3rd-annual Global Talent Chamber Network Convening. Over the course of the one-day conference, business leaders shared lessons about how to get involved in immigrant integration and advocacy work locally. We also visited Koreatown Youth and Community Center to learn about innovative ways the business community can support financial inclusion, education, and housing services for immigrants.

Chambers Join Eight State Compacts on Immigration

Since February 2019, we’ve supported business and industry leaders in Iowa, Texas, Florida,  Utah, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, and Maine as they launch State Compacts on Immigration, with hundreds of signers—including dozens of chambers—across the eight states. Each compact offers a set of guiding principles calling for smart, common-sense immigration policies that support economic growth and keep each state’s economy competitive. If you’re interested in championing a Compact in your state, please reach out to the Council team.